Community-led
The Neighbourhood Circle is a community-led action group working together to revitalise a once neglected, and now rapidly transforming part of the CBD, to discover and reimagine new ways to live, work and play in this area.
Founded as a collaboration between the Immigration Museum, Turning Circle Collective and neighbourhood residents in 2019, and strengthened during the lockdowns through engagement with surrounding businesses, the shared culture of connectedness between neighbours is the binding characteristic of the Neighbourhood Circle.
Location
Referred to as the Turning Circle Precinct, this area is bound by Collins, Queen, William Streets, and the Yarra River.
The area has rich First Nations significance as a gathering site for many thousands of years. Of special significance to this site is the Birrarung (“River of Mists” in both the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung languages). Today it is known as the Yarra River. The Birrarung and its surrounding network of wetlands, lakes and rivers provided food, fibre and medicinal resources for the Eastern Kulin prior to colonisation and the arrivals of the Europeans. The place now known as “Enterprize Park” was once the location of a waterfall which was a natural filtration system for the Birrarung, separating fresh water from the Birrarung from the salty waters of Port Phillip Bay.
The site is also home to the Port Authority Building now used as apartments for residents of the area. Old Customs House, which is now home to the Immigration Museum was was one of the first buildings in the city, then named Fawkner's Hotel, built in 1835. More recent additions to the precinct include Collins Arch, home to over 500 residents, and the W Hotel.
Events
Held over 8 weeks, there are events every Thursday night from 6pm-10pm commencing 10th August through to 28th September. Events include:
- local hereos digital stories
- pop-up markets
- walking tours
- food and drinks
- workshops
- arts and craft
- music, film and more...
DATES:
Costs - some events are free, with others attracting a small fee
